Adult Autism & ADHD Assessments: Should I Get Assessed?

Exploring Late Diagnosis of Autism and ADHD in Adults

It’s not uncommon for adults to begin asking questions about their own neurodivergence later in life. Often, this starts when they notice signs in their children and begin reflecting on their own childhood experiences. For others, it’s the result of years of feeling misunderstood, overwhelmed, or just different.

Whether it’s ADHD, autism, or another form of neurodivergence, gaining a better understanding of your brain can be both validating and life-changing.

Why Some Adults Are Only Just Getting Diagnosed

Many neurodivergent adults grew up without access to the knowledge or language to explain what they were going through. As a result, they were sometimes misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, OCD, or borderline personality disorder. Others may have internalised comments like “lazy,” “too sensitive,” or “weird” and carried those labels into adulthood.

Understanding your neurotype later in life can bring a sense of relief and clarity. It can explain lifelong challenges and help reduce the shame or confusion that often comes with being undiagnosed.

Is Getting an Assessment Worth It?

Pros and Cons of Adult Autism and ADHD Assessments

Pros

1. Self-Understanding and Validation

  • Helps explain lifelong challenges and traits

  • Offers relief from previous misdiagnoses like BPD, OCD, anxiety or depression

  • Normalises experience and reduces shame or self-blame

2. Access to Supports and Accommodations

  • May open up NDIS eligibility (especially for autism)

  • Enables access to workplace or study adjustments

  • Ensures you access appropriate psychological or psychiatric care

3. Improved Mental Health

  • Many feel less anxious after receiving a diagnosis

  • Can improve coping skills and treatment planning

4. Better Relationships

  • Helps with communication and mutual understanding

  • Builds empathy with partners, family, and colleagues

5. Empowerment Through Knowledge

  • Helps with self-advocacy

  • Encourages connection with neurodivergent communities

Cons

1. Cost and Accessibility

  • Assessments can be expensive and not usually covered by Medicare

  • There can be long waitlists for autism assessments

2. Limited Specialist Availability

  • Not all clinicians are experienced with adult diagnoses

  • Expertise is especially limited for women, non-binary people, or those with co-occurring conditions

  • At Mind in Mind Psychology, we are experienced in assessing unique and complex profiles

3. Emotional Impact

  • May trigger grief or regret over a late diagnosis (‘If I had known earlier…’). We can support you through these emotions.

  • Some may feel invalidated if they don't meet diagnostic criteria but identify with symptoms. Support is available at Mind in Mind Psychology.

4. Stigma or Misunderstanding

  • Risk of being misunderstood by others; however we will help you navigate this.

  • Some may be hesitant to disclose diagnosis in the workplace. We can support you through your decision-making process.

5. No Guaranteed Access to Services

  • Diagnosis doesn’t always mean immediate support

  • Navigating systems like NDIS can still be complex

What Do Screening Look Like?

A clinician may ask questions such as:

For ADHD

  • Do you often feel like your mind is racing or jumping between thoughts?

  • Do you find it hard to finish tasks unless they are urgent or interesting?

  • Have you struggled with organisation or remembering appointments?

  • Do you feel easily overwhelmed by tasks or decisions?

For Autism

  • Do you feel like you're performing in social situations?

  • Are you sensitive to sound, lights, or clothing textures?

  • Do you feel distressed when your routines are interrupted?

  • Have you always felt different or struggled to fit in?

You Are Not Alone

Getting an assessment is a personal choice. At Mind in Mind Psychology, we offer adult autism and ADHD assessments, and support from psychologists who understand trauma and neurodiversity.

You don’t need to have everything figured out to reach out. We’re here to listen, guide, and support.

Written by Dr. Jennifer Menon, Clinical Psychologist

BA (Psych), DipPsych, DClinPsych, MAPS

Jennifer MenonMind in Mind Psychology